A Call to Mercy

Starred review from July 25, 2016
This collection of previously unpublished writings by the late Mother Teresa (1910â1997) offers welcome spiritual nourishment from the Nobel Peace Prize winner and beloved contemporary saint-to-be. Chapters cover 14 corporal and spiritual works of mercy performed by Mother Teresa and her order, the Missionaries of Charity. Excerpts from Mother Teresa's letters, speeches, and interviews provide insight into her extraordinary compassion and simple wisdom: "Be kind to each otherâI prefer you make mistakes in kindness than that you work miracles in unkindness." In simple language, anonymous testimonials from witnesses and recipients of her generosity and love over the decades convey examples of her seemingly limitless compassion for abandoned children, homeless men and women, prisoners, refugees, and all people impoverished in body and spirit. Each chapter closes with a brief reflection and prayer that Mother Teresa used in her devotionals. The book's release date is timed to coincide with Pope Francis's "Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy" and the Vatican's canonization of Mother Teresa to sainthood in September 2016. These reflections, stories, and testimonials will challenge and inspire readers to bear witness to a venerable spiritual legacy.

September 1, 2016

Published in conjunction with the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year of Mercy being observed from December 8, 2015, to November 20, 2016, and Mother Teresa's canonization in September 2016, this volume focuses on the new saint's teachings on and practice of the seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy. Mother Teresa (1910-97), Nobel Peace Laureate in 1997, founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950 to care for the poorest of the poor, especially those in Calcutta but also in other areas. Kolodiejchuk (Mother Teresa), a guide through the judicial process for both Teresa's beatification and canonization, has compiled this book featuring material not previously published. Each chapter begins with an introduction about the author's approach to one of the works of mercy followed by a series of quotations by her on that subject and testimony by people who knew her and witnessed her actions in that context. Each chapter concludes with a meditation for readers to apply to their own lives along with a prayer. VERDICT This collection will appeal to traditional Catholics and those wishing to learn more about Mother Teresa.--Denise J. Stankovics, Vernon, CT

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